NSW Coroner highlights shortcomings in police response to Gabriella Thompson's murder

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Indigenous death in custody at Cessnock continues spate across Australia

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she’s ‘deeply concerned’ after an Indigenous man died at Cessnock Correctional Centre last week — the sixth in Australian prisons since March. The deaths coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, with more than 475 Aboriginal people dying in prisons since the 1991 inquiry.

Newcastle road-rage driver sentenced to jail

Kristianne Bycroft has been sentenced to 28-months jail for her ‘predatory’ and ‘erratic’ driving last year when she rammed a yellow hatchback and caused havoc at a busy inner-city intersection. The court was told the driver of the hatchback owed Bycroft $300.

NSW coroner delivers findings on deaths of Gabriella Thompson and Tafari Walton

The NSW coroner has highlighted shortcomings in police responses to domestic violence calls at an inquest into the murder of Gabriella Thompson in Glendale in 2019. Magistrate Teresa O'Sullivan recommended that police officers "should attend and talk to" possible victims of domestic violence "unless there are exceptional reasons not to do so."

Port of Newcastle finance tied to green sustainability goals

National Australia Bank has agreed to help finance the world's largest coal export terminal and has linked loans to a new set of social and environmental goals. Other conditions include establishing an Indigenous internship program, boosting mental health support and achieving certified recognition against the NSW government's Sustainability Advantage Scheme.

Olympic Games skateboarding dream within reach ahead of qualifier

Australian skateboarding champion and Newcastle local Poppy Olsen will fly to the United States on Monday for her final qualifying event ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games in July, where the sport is making its debut. She says she was incredibly grateful to have received her first COVID-19 vaccination before flying to the US.

Upper Hunter by-election stirs up conflict between coal and thoroughbreds

Mining is arguably the engine room of the Upper Hunter and will be front and centre in the May 22 by-election — but not without some trade-off. Deputy Premier John Barilaro has conceded that coal isn't everyone's friend in the region, including the highly lucrative thoroughbred horse breeding industry.

Volunteers help Newcastle families through their toughest times

When a large wave at Newcastle’s Bar Beach left single mother of two Suzie Mullen with a broken leg and several months in a wheelchair, she had no idea how she’d manage school drop-offs for her two young daughters. That’s when the LIVEFree volunteers stepped in.

Uncovering the local history of relations between police and the LGBTQI+ community

If you lived in the Hunter from the 1950s to 1980s Dr Justin Ellis, a Criminologist at the University of Newcastle, wants your help. He’s collecting the oral history about relations between the police and the LGBTQI+ community.

How the Hunter’s Lauren Hensby became a marriage celebrant

Have you ever wondered what it would take to be a marriage celebrant? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how Lauren got there. Her story is part of a ‘Fierce and Female’ radio series produced at ABC Newcastle.

How can mathematics be more engaging in senior high school?

With fewer and fewer senior high school students signing up for Maths in their HSC, the ABC's Dan and Jenny spoke to Newcastle Professor John Fischetti about what can be done to make the subject more attractive.

What else made news this week?

Tocal field days: More than 25,000 people went through the gates at Tocal’s three-day event with organisers suggesting the good weather and the end to the drought combined to deliver success this year. Event manager, Wendy Franklin, says in the 12 years she's been organising the event this year was the best.
University petition: The union representing academics at the University of Newcastle say a new report shows there's no financial imperative for a massive restructure of the institution. The National Tertiary Education union has launched a petition seeking community and staff feedback on the changes being proposed. The university is attempting to save $35-million by reducing its five faculties into three.
Drug arrest: A Newcastle man is facing life in prison after being charged as part of an international drug importation investigation. Last month Australian Federal Police officers and Newcastle police arrested a 23-year-old man after he allegedly collected a package from a home in Lambton. He's been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs. Properties at Jesmond, Belmont and The Hill were also searched.
Singleton doctors resign: The Deputy Premier says he was distressed at revelations several doctors have resigned from Singleton Hospital because of unsustainable workloads. Doctor Bob Vickers is among up to four doctors to have quit the hospital in recent months, amid claims GPs are overworked. Speaking during Question Time, John Barilaro admitted staffing at the hospital is an issue, but local health authorities are working to address it.
Innovation games: A diverse group of people have taken part in the National Innovation Games in Newcastle, to help find ways to make the city more inclusive and accessible. Ten teams will look at barriers that exist for people with mental illness, physical disability, cognitive disability and hearing or vision impairment. Newcastle deputy lord mayor Declan Clausen says the teams will look at practical solutions both in the physical and digital world.
Missing persons inquest: 22-year-old Jayden Penno-Tompsett went missing in North Queensland on New Years Eve in 2017. A pre-inquest at Cairns Coroners Court in February heard he'd been on a road trip with a friend, from Newcastle to Cairns, and due to arrive just after the 2018 New Year. The coroner's court heard after arriving in Charters Towers on the 31st, Mr Penno-Tompsett is believed to have suffered a deterioration in his mental health and was last seen walking into a paddock.
Woman jailed: A woman who sent an intimate sex video of a love rival to the woman's mother has been jailed in Newcastle. Newcastle Local Court heard the woman committed four offences in the past year, taking revenge on the woman for sleeping with her ex-boyfriend. Magistrate Robert Stone said sending an intimate film clip to the victim's mother was a 'reprehensible and disgraceful act'.
COVID-19 in the sewers: Health authorities say recent sewage testing in Newcastle has so-far failed to show any more traces of Covid-19. The region has been on high alert and testing centres have been swamped, since fragments of the virus were found in Newcastle's sewage last week. Hunter New England Health's Dr David Durrhiem says the latest sewage sample came back negative, which he describes as ‘tentative’ good news.

The best photos from around the country

How great is this photo of Mr Percival keeping an eye on things. Captured by @terinavalephotography at Terrigal Beach and shared via #ABCmyphoto.
The #ABCmyphoto team is always on the lookout for the best photos from around Australia. You can show us what the world looks like where you are by using the hashtag on Instagram, or by uploading your photos online here. Let's make sure more photos from the Hunter are featured across the ABC!

How's the weekend weather looking?

The sun is shining over Newcastle this weekend with a top of 25 degrees. A slight chance of showers is predicted for Sunday afternoon.

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